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A nation is a patchwork of communities that differ from each other and may be governed differently. But regardless of how local communities differ, they all have one point in common: In the United States, local government means self-government. Good citizens help to make decisions about their community through their elected local officials.

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Citizenship in the Community merit badge requirements

Discuss with your counselor what citizenship in the community means and what it takes to be a good citizen in your community. Discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship, and explain how you can demonstrate good citizenship in your community, Scouting unit, place of worship or school.

Do the following:

a. On a map of your community or using an electronic device, locate and point out the following:

1. Chief government buildings such as your city hall, county courthouse, and public works/services facility

2. Fire station, police station, and hospital nearest your home

3. Parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, and trails

4. Historical or other interesting points of interest

b. Chart the organization of your local or state government. Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed.

Do the following:

a. Attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; OR attend a municipal, county, or state court session.

b. Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.

Choose an issue that is important to the citizens of your community; then do the following:

a. Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue.

b. With your counselor's and a parent's approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help.

c. Share what you have learned with your counselor.

With the approval of your counselor and a parent, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community.

List some of the services (such as the library, recreation center, public transportation, and public safety) your community provides that are funded by taxpayers. Tell your counselor why these services are important to your community.

Do the following:

a. Identify three charitable organizations outside of Scouting that interest you and bring people in your community together to work for the good of your community.

b. Pick ONE of the organizations you chose for requirement 7a. Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and other literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.

c. With your counselor's and your parent's approval, contact the organization you chose for requirement 7b, and find out what young people can do to help. While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization. After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

Develop a public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. Include information about the history, cultures, and ethnic groups of your community; its best features and popular places where people gather; and the challenges it faces. Stage your presentation in front of your merit badge counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #637685)

The text of these requirements may be locked. In that case, they can only be edited by an administrator.Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.

The Citizenship in the Community #8 public presentation...of your community
could be given as a Communications #3 five-minute speech
using the techniques from Photography #4b to produce a picture story
and Art #1 to tell a story with...pictures
which could be developed into the Digital Technology #6d short presentation.

External links

Movies With a Meaning

Note: Only watch a movie..."With the approval of your counselor and a parent..."' Please do not add links for anything above a mild PG-13. Please note the ratings and reasons for the ratings for each film.

12 Angry Men One man, Henry Fonda, sways a jury and saves an innocent man. NR but would be G today.

Amazing Grace Chronicles the struggle of William Wilberforce to stop the British slave trade in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. PG for disturbing images of slavery.

A Man For All Seasons The story of Sir Thomas More who challenged King Henry VIII'sdivorce and remarriage. Rated G.

Follow Me Boys The story of how one guy starts a Boy Scout troop to help the town. NR.

Forrest Gump One slow-witted but good-hearted man is at the center of key events of the 20th century. "Stupid is as stupid does." PG-13 for brief sexual content and war scenes.

Gettysburg Great historical account of Colonel Joshua Chmberlain who held Little Round Top though greatly outnumbered. Out of ammunition, Chamberlain orders a charge instead of retreating. PG for war scenes.

Gods and Generals Stonewall Jackson and the Battle of Manassas. PG-13 for war scenes.

Invincible The true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. PG.

It's A Wonderful Life The message in this film is one of courage and sacrifice for the greater good as George Bailey, a man with big ideas about seeing the world, continually forsakes his own desires to do what is right for the town. The second message is that each life important. No matter how insignificant we feel we are, we are all inextricably linked to each other and play an important part in the fabric of one another's lives.

Luther All about Luther, the father of the Reformation. Rated PG-13 for violence.

Pay It Forward Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements.

Phenomenon - John Travolta is hit by a light and becomes very smart and addicted to learning. PG. 123 minutes.

We Are Marshall When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach and his few surviving players try to keep the football program alive. PG.